VETERAN Q&A: CW5 Roger C. Perry, ARNG-Retired

Georgetown resident Roger C. Perry recently became just the 15th inductee into the Order of the Eagle Rising Society.

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By Scott Gossscott@sussexcountian.com

Sussex Countian

By Scott Gossscott@sussexcountian.com

Posted Feb. 8, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Updated Feb 8, 2013 at 9:11 AM

By Scott Gossscott@sussexcountian.com

Posted Feb. 8, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Updated Feb 8, 2013 at 9:11 AM

Georgetown, Del.

A Georgetown resident, Roger C. Perry recently became just the 15th inductee into the Order of the Eagle Rising Society, a 9-year-old honor that recognizes “exceptional individuals” who have contributed significantly to the promotion of the Warrant Officer community. Now retired from military service, the Millsboro High School graduate enjoys repairing firearms, and traveling in his motor home with his wife, Bonnie.

Q What got you to enlist in the Army as an 18-year-old during the start of the Vietnam War?

A I always told the soldiers I served with that I didn’t do all that well in high school and my parents didn’t have the money to send me to college. At that time, if you were in my position, you either got drafted or you enlisted. I arrived in Vietnam in April 1967, which I call my senior high school trip.

Q What got you to twice enlist in the Delaware National Guard following your five campaigns in Vietnam?

A Money. After I got out of the Army in 1969, I went to work for the National Cash Register Company in Millsboro, which is where M&T Bank is now. I first enlisted with the Guard in 1973 to make a little extra money and then when I got laid off at NCR I re-enlisted in 1976. Being a soldier was just something I knew and I needed the work.

Q You’ve received numerous decorations and you were the second Ranking Warrant officer in the Army National Guard across the country. Where does induction into the Order of the Eagle Rising Society rank, personally?

A It’s very prestigious, especially to be nominated for the honor by my peers. Receiving a tribute from the Delaware House of Representatives on my retirement also was pretty nice. The thing I’m probably most proud of though is having the national award for the honor graduate of the Warrant Officer Candidate School conducted by the Army National Guard, named after me. After overseeing the establishment of the Warrant Officer Candidate School – Reserve Component, having the honor given my name was very special.

Q How are you spending your retirement?

A Enjoying my family and spending time working on firearms in my shop. I started gunsmithing in 1984, mostly as a hobby, but now I work with my grandson, Jordan Walls. He’s apprenticing with me and I’m teaching him the trade. My other grandson, Connor Perry, also has just started to work with me.